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$38.96 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)What do Disney World and “The Shining” have in common, inspiration-wise? If you answered, “A rustic lodge in one of the most popular U.S. national parks,” you’re on the right track. That lodge is The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, and it’s not the only one that influenced the design of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (or the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining”). Let’s take a journey through the stunning national park hotels that served as muses for Disney’s cozy, nature-loving retreat.
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The Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park
A Touch of Déjà Vu
In the grand scheme of Disney World’s resort hotels, the Wilderness Lodge consistently ranks near the top. One step into the lobby, with its towering 55-foot totem poles and 82-foot stone fireplace, confirms its deluxe status. However, you might experience a sense of déjà vu upon visiting Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn, which has been welcoming guests since 1904. A full 90 years earlier, mind you!
Architectural Inspirations and Details
Both lodges feature a dramatic, snow-friendly gable-type roof that almost touches the ground. Walk into the Old Faithful Inn’s lobby, and a towering stone fireplace greets you—eerily similar to the one at Wilderness Lodge. The log brackets on the individual support columns in both lobbies reach up like arms to the next floor. The National Park Service notes that Old Faithful Inn’s log brackets serve no structural purpose but are a decorative flourish that the Wilderness Lodge eagerly adopted for its own grandeur.
| Feature | Old Faithful Inn | Wilderness Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1904 | 1994 |
| Roof Type | Gable | Gable |
| Stone Fireplace | Yes | Yes |
| Log Brackets | Decorative | Decorative |
| Working Geyser | N/A | Yes |
| Concierge Lounge | N/A | Old Faithful Club |
Paying Homage
Details like the working geyser at the Wilderness Lodge and its Old Faithful Club don’t just nod; they bow to Old Faithful Inn and its iconic Yellowstone geyser. It’s as if Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is saying, “We take inspiration and go bigger, bolder, and (dare we say) geyser-ier.”
The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park
Dining with a View—or a Ghost?
The dining experiences at Wilderness Lodge are attempts to transport you to another era, specifically the “turn-of-the-century Pacific Northwest.” Whether you’re sipping Oregon and Washington wines at Storybook Dining or devouring skillet after skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe, you’re enveloped in a world that harks back to America’s older, wilder west.
Disney’s Yosemite Connection
Walt Disney himself visited Yosemite in 1935. Fast-forward several decades, and the architects behind Wilderness Lodge followed in his footsteps, scouting The Ahwahnee for inspiration. From the hotel’s backside, one can spot a waterfall mimicking Yosemite’s stunning displays. This connection extends to the Yosemite Suite and Native American designs throughout the Lodge, including the impressive teepee-shaped chandelier lights in the lobby.
| Feature | The Ahwahnee | Wilderness Lodge |
|---|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1927 | 1994 |
| Waterfall | Yes | Yes (reminiscent) |
| Native American Designs | Yes | Yes |
| Chandelier | Yes (Native American-themed) | Yes (teepee-shaped) |
| Suite | Various | Yosemite Suite |
Echoes of Horror
While the influence of The Ahwahnee might be more subtle compared to that of Old Faithful Inn, it leaves an indelible mark. The interior of Stanley Kubrick’s haunted Overlook Hotel in “The Shining” was modeled after The Ahwahnee. So if you’re feeling more like Jack Torrance than a Disney character while lounging in Wilderness Lodge, now you know why.
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The Influence of Multiple Lodges
A Magical Melange
When Disney’s official description states that the Wilderness Lodge was “inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges” in “America’s Great Northwest,” it’s keeping things broad. This description captures the essence but leaves room for intellect to fill in the gaps. Depending on the source, the Great Northwest can stretch from Northern California, including Yosemite, to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, encompassing Yellowstone.
Real-World Fantasy
Like many Disney landmarks, the Wilderness Lodge stirs the imagination by blending these real-world influences into something fantastical. It’s an amalgamation of historic structures and natural wonders designed to transport you to another world—or at least inspire you to take a closer look at the parks that served as blueprints.
Disney’s Nod to History and Imagination
From Reality to Fantasy
From the hotel, a water taxi can take you across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom, where a mixture of real European destinations inspires Cinderella Castle. Whether sleeping in the Yosemite Suite, observing the geyser, or basking by the Copper Creek Springs Pool, you’re encouraged to relax and let your imagination wander.
Architectural Marvels
The melding of inspirations doesn’t end inside the hotel. The external architecture of the Wilderness Lodge captures the essence of its muses while offering a unique take. As you approach, the grandeur of the place is somewhat overwhelming—a testament to the creative gene pool from which it sprang.
Why These National Park Hotels?
Old Enough to Matter
The Old Faithful Inn and The Ahwahnee aren’t just any old hotels; they are beacons of history, each over a century old. In their time, they contributed significantly to the architectural and cultural landscapes of their respective parks and remain iconic symbols today.
Natural Wonders
Both Yellowstone and Yosemite are blessed with natural wonders that captivate the imagination. A stay at either hotel immerses visitors in nature, offering a respite from modern life while connecting them to America’s great outdoors. It’s precisely these qualities that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge seeks to emulate.
Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go
Planning a visit to the Wilderness Lodge or its real-world counterparts? It’s crucial to know a few things before you go. For example, the Old Faithful Inn operates seasonally, so be sure to check availability and book ahead.
Packing Essentials
Whether you’re packing for Disneyland or a national park, some essentials remain constant. Comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, and don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture every picturesque moment.
| Destination | Key Tips |
|---|---|
| Wilderness Lodge | Book dining reservations in advance, use Disney’s app for schedules |
| Old Faithful Inn | Check seasonal availability, book early |
| The Ahwahnee | Reserve well in advance, be prepared for park entry fees |
Wrapping Up
With its multi-faceted inspirations and rich historical ties, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge invites guests into a magical world rooted in reality. By drawing inspiration from the architectural marvels of The Old Faithful Inn and The Ahwahnee, the Lodge offers a unique blend of fantasy and history. Why not add these iconic national park hotels to your travel bucket list, and see the magic for yourself?
You never know, you might just find the perfect blend of nature and nostalgia right where history meets imagination.
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